Our Mission
To advance health equity and environmental justice by empowering California communities through services, research, advocacy, and data-driven solutions to reduce the burden of asthma.
Our Vision
Healthy, resilient communities where all people can breathe clean air and thrive.
Our Story
As the San Joaquin Valley struggled to meet clean air standards and reported some of the highest rates of asthma emergency department visits in the state, we saw a need to help children with asthma across our region better manage their disease.
CCAC brings together innovative leaders in health care, public health, academic research, K-12 education, and environmental health policy with a strong commitment to our region. Since our beginning, CCAC’s work has evolved to more directly address asthma triggers inside and outside the home and link air pollution solutions with climate and health equity efforts.
CCAC’s theory of change is based on a foundation of deep commitment to engaging with our community to understand their needs and priorities.
CCAC created an in-home program to identify asthma triggers and prevent asthma attacks, with a focus on education and proper use of medications, in hopes of reducing urgent care and emergency room visits. Over the past decade, we have tested different approaches and developed best practices for a community health worker-driven, home-based, patient-centered program. In the process, we learned that outdoor air pollution was a critical asthma trigger beyond the patient’s control. We became involved in air pollution research and advocacy and have published articles showing a relationship between air pollution and children’s health in Valley communities. We have since become involved in state efforts to improve air quality by reducing outdoor and indoor sources of gas combustion, including adoption of electric vehicles and electrification of home heating and cooking appliances.